We focus on different elective dentistry procedures, preventative solutions and other areas to improve the health of your teeth.

About Me

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Most
people are familiar with the focus that traditional dentistry has on prevention
of tooth decay, oral hygiene, and the treatment of oral and tooth disease.

Certain dental offices in the OC on the other hand, focuses on making the appearance of your
mouth, teeth, and smile look better. You will often times hear cosmetic
dentistry referred to as “elective” treatment with traditional dentistry being
“necessary”.

Sometimes,
however, the lines blur between necessary and elective procedures. A recent
example is the change in dental filling composition. Historically, dental
fillings were made of gold, silver, or other metals that would leave visible
dark areas or spots on a person’s teeth. Fast forward to today, and fillings can
be considered cosmetic at some level due to the porcelain that can be used to
better match the color of your teeth. A number of people now choose to get the
existing fillings changed out with the modern styled ones to better improve
their smile and overall oral appearance.

With the
modern advancements in technology, cosmetic dentists have never had the power
before to help make your teeth look as natural and tooth-colored as possible
when having to do oral procedures on your mouth. Cosmetic dentists are also
able to make use of laser technology now in their office without having to send
you to a specialist for an even higher dental bill.

Cosmetic
Dentistry Procedures

The
following is a listing and short description of the common cosmetic dentistry
procedures and treatments that are being used:

Composite
Bonding: This is where a dental composite material is applied into a cavity or
onto a tooth directly where it is then shaped and hardened with a high
intensity light. The restoration then blends with the remaining part of the
tooth and makes for a nicer looking smile on the patient.

Dental
Implants: These are artificial replacements for the root of one of your teeth
that has failed or been pulled. Most of the time, these result in an enhanced
smile, and help the patient appear younger.

Dental
Veneers: Dental Veneers are composite (or porcelain) laminates which are bonded
to the surface of a tooth or teeth in order to help repair cracks or chipped
teeth to improve the patient’s appearance. They can also be used for patients
with significant gaps in their teeth.

Full Mouth
Reconstruction: This is the larger cosmetic procedure that can sometimes be
recommended by your dentist if you are being seen about a smile makeover. If
your dentist finds that there are permanent problems with your bone structure,
teeth, or bite, he or she may recommend a full mouth reconstruction in order to
accomplish the work you desired completed.

Inlays/Onlays:
This is also known as getting an indirect filling. Inlays or Onlays are made
from a composite material or from porcelain and are a nicer looking way to fill
teeth that have undergone significant toot decay. Inlays and Onlays are made in
a dental lab before they are fitted and bonded to your toot or teeth by your
dentist.

Teeth
Whitening: One of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures. Most whitening
procedures involve bleaching the patient’s teeth in order to enhance his or her
smile.

With the
advances of technology over the past decade, cosmetic dentistry is no longer
only for people who are extremely “comfortable” with their money. If you are
unhappy with the look of your teeth or your smile, a cosmetic dentist may be
able to help you.